Storylines for the U.S. Open: A brutally tough test at Shinnecock

When Shinnecock last hosted the U.S. Open in 2018, many players weren't thrilled with the setup. Zach Johnson famously said, "they've lost the golf course," and Phil Mickelson became so frustrated that he ran to hit a moving putt to keep it from running off the green. It was so challenging that no one finished the week at even par or better, as Brooks Koepka went on to win the tournament at 1-over par. 

A tough golf course is exactly what fans want from the U.S. Open, but Shinnecock can sometimes cross the line. If the greens are firm and fast and the wind is blowing hard, we could see another winning score close to even par. Bring on the carnage. 

LIV Golf looking to crash the party

The LIV Golf League might not make it to 2027, but it has multiple contenders ready to make some noise at Shinnecock. 

Jon Rahm has two wins this season and is coming off a T2 at the PGA Championship. Tyrrell Hatton won his last start at LIV Golf Andalucia and has two top-five finishes in his last four major starts. Bryson DeChambeau has struggled in majors this season, but he's always a threat at the U.S. Open due to his length off the tee and putting prowess. Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith are also playing their best golf of the season. 

Stars aligning for Cameron Young?

Young is arguably the best player in the world without a major championship to his name, but that won't be the case for long. The talented American is poised to break out with a major triumph soon, and Shinnecock should suit his game well. 

Young, who already has two wins this year at the Players Championship and Cadillac Championship, will feel comfortable and confident in his home state of New York. His prodigious driving, sharp iron play and improved putting make him a serious threat to take down Scheffler and Rory McIlroy this week.